Amber Vittoria Promotes Inclusivity Through Art

SAND Magazine

June 19, 2017

When New York-based illustrator Amber Vittoria approached us, we found ourselves drawn to her pieces that seem to reveal untold stories of people in their ordinary skin. With Amber's illustrations, one notices a myriad of flesh at one glance, demanding a closer look in which one sees the emotions of the subjects and icons that give the stories more beauty and depth.

Hi Amber, could you tell us more about these pieces individually?

Loved and Still Loved are heavily inspired by Gucci and their ability to experiment with color, pattern, and form––three huge elements that fuel the creation of my work.

Conceal Don't Feel is a phrase I was told by a former manager––the idea that women who express themselves are frowned upon in society (unlike their male counterparts) is an issue that needs to be remedied.

I Am Like Other Women calls attention to the cliché, ‘I am not like other women’, creating the assumption that women aren't enough. Women are enough, and to be like them is an honour.

Your illustrations are somewhat eccentric yet very realistic in how ordinary human beings actually look like day to day. Is this part of your mission to end patriarchal art history and the glamourisation of ‘beauty’?100% – The 'ideal physical female' is something my artwork aims to break. Because of this, several of my pieces focus on femininity and the female form, leveraging physical traits such as body hair, overtly extended limbs, and rounded features. This concept and desire derived from frequenting several galleries and museums.

I've always been exposed to art containing women depicted by men, but not enough art containing women depicted by women.

What are your biggest concerns around social identity? I’m concerned with the progress of both gender and racial inclusivity, especially in America. To address said concern through art, I seek out publications whose written work addresses political issues surrounding social identity and propose to work together.

What is your connection with fashion brands?

The ability to create art that lives on a moving being has always inspired me as an artist.

How does your life empower your role as an artist?The culture in New York is vast, thoughtful and progressive. Observing, befriending, and listening to other women (especially in NYC) drives the concepts of majority of my pieces. Sharing my personal experiences with other women through my work is incredibly empowering.

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Stay up to date with Amber Vittoria here and follow her latest workshere.